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MSNBC host Jonathan Lemire corrected a sensational claim made by a contributor on the network about FBI Director Kash Patel. The contributor suggested that Patel spent more time partying at nightclubs than working at the agency’s headquarters in Washington, DC.
Lemire, a co-host of “Morning Joe,” revisited a segment from the previous Friday featuring Frank Figliuzzi, NBC News and MSNBC’s senior national security analyst. Figliuzzi had expressed concerns about chaos within the bureau under Patel’s leadership.
“Well, reportedly he’s been visible at nightclubs far more than he has been on the seventh floor of the Hoover Building,” Figliuzzi had claimed.
Figliuzzi’s statement highlighted potential challenges of Patel leading without relevant experience, which could have negative consequences. He also raised concerns about Patel’s level of engagement and decision-making within the agency.
Lemire on Monday corrected Figliuzzi and took back the wild nightclub story, saying, “This was a misstatement. We have not verified that claim.”
During Friday’s segment, Figliuzzi also claimed that Patel’s daily FBI briefings were dropped down to “maybe twice weekly,” after Lemire asked about rumors that the director has “been less visible.”
Figliuzzi, who is also an MSNBC columnist, alleged that “the one word that keeps coming back at me from inside is that the building is chaos.”